The repair cells of the body are known as stem cells. These cells are able to differentiate into a number of different cell types according to where the body needs them, such as fat, bone, skin, cartilage, nerves and other important tissues. In addition, these cells can also be used to repair and regenerate damaged tissue of organs, such as the liver, heart, pancreas and intestines to name a few.

Adult stem cells, also referred to often as multipotent cells, are able to differentiate into cell lines that are closely related. However, they are not able to develop into an entire organ. These cells are located in fat tissue, bone marrow, skin, neurons, blood vessels and the liver.

Research surrounding the use of stem cells in the treatment of tendon and ligament damage, joint injuries and bone fractures has shown great promise in recent years. The same treatment that doctors of sports medicine are using on some of today’s top athletes may also provide benefits for your beloved pets.

In order to harvest stem cells, veterinarians use anesthesia to induce sleep. A couple of tablespoons of fat are removed from your pet through a quick and simple procedure. In fact, this type of procedure is actually somewhat easier than a routine spaying.

Next, the extracted fat is processed to remove stem cells, which typically only takes a couple of hours. Once the stem cells are collected, your pet will be sedated one more time so that the stem cells may be injected into the bloodstream or affected tissue. It is crucial that your pet does not receive anything to eat the night prior to the use of stem cells treatment.

It is important to keep in mind that there are no guarantees with this type of procedure, as all animals are different. However, across the nation, vets have seen an improvement in ninety-five percent of the cases of arthritic pets where such treatment was provided. In fact, some pet owners have even reported seeing a major difference in just a week.

Although rapid results are a definite possibility, all patients usually see an improvement within the first three months after receiving the stem cell treatment. If your pet has especially severe arthritis, multiple stem cell injections may be required. For this reason, many pet owners choose to have the extra cells kept cryogenically just in case.

It is important to note that any procedure involving anesthesia comes with a certain level of risk. However, because the stem cells are derived from your pet and then re-administered to the same animal, the risk of allergic reaction and rejection of the cells is slim. However, in some rare instances, a minor immune reaction may occur at the injection site, but should clear up in just a day or so.